What happened?
On January 8, the interim government of Bangladesh revoked the passport of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, citing her alleged involvement in the July killings of last year, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of several hundred people. They have also requested her extradition from India to face charges of “crimes against humanity and genocide.” However, the Indian government has opted to extend her visa, allowing her to remain in India.
Why it matters to India
Hasina’s extradition is diplomatically sensitive for India, as she is regarded as a key ally. India is unlikely to extradite her, viewing the charges as politically motivated and concerned that she wouldn’t receive a fair trial. Also, the extradition treaty between India and Bangladesh may not cover political extraditions, further complicating the situation. The Indian government has maintained a cautious stance, with External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noting that it is for Hasina to decide her future: “As far as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is concerned, we don’t have an update on her plans. It is for her to take things forward.”